Five pulse rates are randomly selected from a set of measurements. The five pulse rates have a mean of 86.0 beats per minute. Four of the pulse rates are 94 , 91 , 85 , and 89. a. Find the missing value. b. Suppose that you need to create a list of n values that have a specific known mean. Some of the n values can be freely selected. How many of the n values can be freely assigned before the remaining values are determined? (The result is referred to as the number of degrees of freedom.)

a) The fifth pulse rate = 71

b) As shown in this question, (n-1) variables can be assigned freely, but last one has to now be determined, just like I did with the problem in (a).

Explanation:

Mean/average = (Σx) / N

The average is the sum of variables divided by the number of variables

x = each variable

N = number of variables = 5

Mean = 86

Let the unknown pulse rate be y

86 = (94 + 91 + 85 + 89 + y) / 5

y = 430 - (94 + 91 + 85 + 89) = 71

b) As shown in this question, (n-1) variables can be assigned freely, but last one has to now be determined, just like I did with the problem in (a).